Javier Vega Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice upholding his oath to serve and protect.

(Washington, DC) May 13, 2015

As our nation’s law enforcement officers gather this week in Washington, D.C., to honor their 127 brothers and sisters who fell in the line of duty in 2014, there will be one name missing from the stone walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial. That name is Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega Jr.

On Aug. 5, 2014, Vega was spending the afternoon fishing with his family when two Mexican nationals approached seeking to rob him. Agent Vega responded by fighting back to protect his loved ones. His actions ensured that his family would not be seriously harmed; unfortunately he was shot and killed while his family watched. The illegal immigrants who killed Vega were apprehended and charged with capital murder. These individuals had committed multiple violent offenses and had been deported several times.

“Being an agent is not a 9 to 5 job,” said Brandon Judd, president of the NBPC. “An agent is never off duty when he is acting to protect his community from violent thugs and criminals. Agent Vega’s actions were in keeping with the finest traditions of the Border Patrol.”

At its annual convention, the National Border Patrol Council unanimously passed a resolution demanding that Customs and Border Protection classify Vega’s death a Line of Duty Fatality. Vega made the ultimate sacrifice upholding his oath to serve and protect. He gave his life to protect his family and our nation from illegal immigrants intending to do harm.

Judd described Vega as a man of action and service. “Before joining the Border Patrol he served with honor in the U.S. Marine Corp. He is a true American hero who dedicated his life to defending his nation and his family.”

It is time for CBP bureaucrats to stop delaying and to honor Vega’s sacrifice.

“This is about doing the right thing,” Judd said. “Vega’s family deserves the full benefits that he earned.”